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MEET YOUR OLYMPIA SYMPHONY MUSICIANS
KARIN CHOO
Concertmaster
Karin Choo is Concertmaster of the Olympia Symphony.
She is a member of Northwest Sinfonietta’s violin section and is also their Executive Director. Additionally, Karin is a member of Symphony Tacoma and Concertmaster of Vashon Opera.
She is a member of Northwest Sinfonietta’s violin section and is also their Executive Director. Additionally, Karin is a member of Symphony Tacoma and Concertmaster of Vashon Opera.
BEN WEDEKING Associate Concertmaster
Ben Wedeking joined the Olympia Symphony as Associate Concertmaster in the fall of 2023. Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Ben is no stranger to the Puget Sound region, having lived here four times. His journey has taken him through eight states across the country.
Ben's musical pursuits began at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, where he studied violin and classical guitar. His musical talents extend beyond these instruments, as he has also performed as a mandolinist and pianist.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Ben holds a law degree from the University of Iowa and practices as an attorney in Olympia.
Outside of work, Ben is an avid runner and enjoys paddleboarding. He also loves to explore and support local businesses and eateries in Olympia's historic downtown district.
https://www.youtube.com/@benwedeking
Ben's musical pursuits began at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, where he studied violin and classical guitar. His musical talents extend beyond these instruments, as he has also performed as a mandolinist and pianist.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Ben holds a law degree from the University of Iowa and practices as an attorney in Olympia.
Outside of work, Ben is an avid runner and enjoys paddleboarding. He also loves to explore and support local businesses and eateries in Olympia's historic downtown district.
https://www.youtube.com/@benwedeking
Assistant Concertmaster
MARY BETH HARRISON Violin 1
The Walter & Heidi Jones Chair
Mary Beth Harrison, a 1st violinist with the Olympia Symphony, is a dynamic individual with a passion for music and a heart for adventure. By day, Mary Beth serves as the Director of Blind Rehabilitation at the American Lake Veterans Hospital, tackling the day's challenges with determination and grace. At night, she's either engrossed in a captivating book or pondering the world's mysteries (when she's not catching up on sleep).
For Mary Beth, music is a way of life. After relocating from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest with her husband Calvin, an OSO cellist, Mary Beth found the perfect musical match in the Olympia Symphony. Playing with the OSO fills her with a sense of joy and camaraderie that is unmatched.
When she's not making music or working, Mary Beth loves to immerse herself in nature. Whether it's waking up to the gentle sounds of birdsong or exploring the great outdoors, she finds peace and inspiration in the world around her.
Despite her love for the PNW, Mary Beth still has her sights set on new horizons. New Zealand is at the top of her travel bucket list, beckoning her with its stunning landscapes and rich culture.
In her downtime, Mary Beth enjoys a good binge-watch session of "Ted Lasso," finding humor and inspiration in the show's uplifting storylines.
Mary Beth's life is a beautiful symphony of music, adventure, and discovery, with each day bringing a new melody to enjoy.
Mary Beth Harrison, a 1st violinist with the Olympia Symphony, is a dynamic individual with a passion for music and a heart for adventure. By day, Mary Beth serves as the Director of Blind Rehabilitation at the American Lake Veterans Hospital, tackling the day's challenges with determination and grace. At night, she's either engrossed in a captivating book or pondering the world's mysteries (when she's not catching up on sleep).
For Mary Beth, music is a way of life. After relocating from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest with her husband Calvin, an OSO cellist, Mary Beth found the perfect musical match in the Olympia Symphony. Playing with the OSO fills her with a sense of joy and camaraderie that is unmatched.
When she's not making music or working, Mary Beth loves to immerse herself in nature. Whether it's waking up to the gentle sounds of birdsong or exploring the great outdoors, she finds peace and inspiration in the world around her.
Despite her love for the PNW, Mary Beth still has her sights set on new horizons. New Zealand is at the top of her travel bucket list, beckoning her with its stunning landscapes and rich culture.
In her downtime, Mary Beth enjoys a good binge-watch session of "Ted Lasso," finding humor and inspiration in the show's uplifting storylines.
Mary Beth's life is a beautiful symphony of music, adventure, and discovery, with each day bringing a new melody to enjoy.
MEAGAN BANKS
Violin 1
The Sue Breidenbach Chair
Meagan's love affair with music began in childhood, walking from her Ellensburg home to watch symphony performances at the CWU campus with her mother. The gift of a violin from her parents ignited a passion that has never waned.
She thrives on the collaborative nature of performing arts and cherishes the opportunities the OSO has provided her.
Currently, Meagan runs a private studio while homeschooling her four young children. When not immersed in music or teaching, she can be found exploring the woods, on a tranquil lake, or delving into the depths of a museum. Her life's ambition is simple: to laugh abundantly!
Meagan's love affair with music began in childhood, walking from her Ellensburg home to watch symphony performances at the CWU campus with her mother. The gift of a violin from her parents ignited a passion that has never waned.
She thrives on the collaborative nature of performing arts and cherishes the opportunities the OSO has provided her.
Currently, Meagan runs a private studio while homeschooling her four young children. When not immersed in music or teaching, she can be found exploring the woods, on a tranquil lake, or delving into the depths of a museum. Her life's ambition is simple: to laugh abundantly!
JON HANSON Violin 1
The Mike Ryherd Chair
STEVEN LOVINGER Violin 1
KATHERINE SARTORI Violin 1
MARTIN DIMITROV Acting Principal, Violin 2
Meet Martin Dimitrov, the Assistant Concertmaster of the Olympia Symphony Orchestra!
Martin is a proud member of the symphony, where he enjoys creating beautiful musical moments with the community. For the 24-25 Season, he will be Acting Principal for the Violin 2 section.
Originally from Bulgaria, Martin's musical journey began at a young age when he found his mom's old violin at 4 years old. His passion for music led him to start violin and solfege lessons at 5 1/2 years old, eventually earning his Bachelor's degree from LSU and his Master's from Rice University.
Offstage, Martin is a proud dad to two soon-to-be high schooler sons and a trio of beloved cats - Thor, Hot Dog, and Baby Cat. He has also become skilled in DIY home renovations, facing challenges like Hurricane Harvey and Winter Storm Uri. Recently, Martin has discovered a passion for gardening and cooking, even making his own bread!
In his free time, he enjoys jokes, computer games, and Sci-Fi books and movies.
Martin is a proud member of the symphony, where he enjoys creating beautiful musical moments with the community. For the 24-25 Season, he will be Acting Principal for the Violin 2 section.
Originally from Bulgaria, Martin's musical journey began at a young age when he found his mom's old violin at 4 years old. His passion for music led him to start violin and solfege lessons at 5 1/2 years old, eventually earning his Bachelor's degree from LSU and his Master's from Rice University.
Offstage, Martin is a proud dad to two soon-to-be high schooler sons and a trio of beloved cats - Thor, Hot Dog, and Baby Cat. He has also become skilled in DIY home renovations, facing challenges like Hurricane Harvey and Winter Storm Uri. Recently, Martin has discovered a passion for gardening and cooking, even making his own bread!
In his free time, he enjoys jokes, computer games, and Sci-Fi books and movies.
Assistant Principal, Violin 2
MARY JULIA MCKEAN, Violin 2
Mary Julia began playing the violin at age five in her hometown of Portland Oregon. Rising through the ranks of the Portland Youth Philharmonic, she decided to major in music at Brigham Young University where she completed both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in music education. Along the way she performed in groups that traveled through the United States, Great Britain and China, won the Old Time Utah State Fiddle Contest twice, played in the BYU Honor’s String Quartet, and won the BYU Concerto Competition playing the Beethoven violin concerto.
After college, she taught middle school orchestra in Utah for several years and performed on violin and viola in orchestras in Utah, California, and Washington. She’s now the band and orchestra teacher at NOVA Middle School in Olympia, Washington where she lives with her husband, three children and eight chickens.
After college, she taught middle school orchestra in Utah for several years and performed on violin and viola in orchestras in Utah, California, and Washington. She’s now the band and orchestra teacher at NOVA Middle School in Olympia, Washington where she lives with her husband, three children and eight chickens.
LISA PEARSON Violin 2
LINDA PYLE Violin 2
Meet Linda Pyle, a proud Oly Bear mom and violinist with the Olympia Symphony!
Linda, an Olympia native and graduate of Olympia High School, holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Pacific Lutheran University and a master's in Classroom Management from American College of Education.
While violin is her main instrument, Linda is a multi-talented musician, playing cello, electric bass, and electric violin in a worship band, and fiddling in a bluegrass band.
Linda teaches general music, choir, and orchestra at Chambers Prairie Elementary in the North Thurston School District. When she's not inspiring young minds or playing music, you can find her being a basketball and cross-country mom or teaching Sunday school.
What keeps Linda up at night? Kindergarten music that turns into earworms at 2 AM!!
Playing with the symphony is a refreshing change for Linda, where she's inspired by her symphony colleagues and directors. She appreciates how music educators receive professional development hours for their work in the symphony, fostering an organic environment of learning and inspiration.
Linda, an Olympia native and graduate of Olympia High School, holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Pacific Lutheran University and a master's in Classroom Management from American College of Education.
While violin is her main instrument, Linda is a multi-talented musician, playing cello, electric bass, and electric violin in a worship band, and fiddling in a bluegrass band.
Linda teaches general music, choir, and orchestra at Chambers Prairie Elementary in the North Thurston School District. When she's not inspiring young minds or playing music, you can find her being a basketball and cross-country mom or teaching Sunday school.
What keeps Linda up at night? Kindergarten music that turns into earworms at 2 AM!!
Playing with the symphony is a refreshing change for Linda, where she's inspired by her symphony colleagues and directors. She appreciates how music educators receive professional development hours for their work in the symphony, fostering an organic environment of learning and inspiration.
AUNDREA SCHMIDT Violin 2
The Adenike Adebiyi Chair
Aundrea Schmidt is a dedicated 2nd Violinist for the Olympia Symphony Orchestra, bringing her passion for music to the stage. What keeps her up at night? Maintaining her impressive Duolingo streak, currently at 1029 days, by squeezing in a lesson before midnight.
Aundrea finds inspiration in the sunrise and the sounds of nature, as well as the loving nudges from her cat, motivating her to start each day.
Joining the OSO in 2010, Aundrea sought to keep her playing skills sharp and connect with like-minded musicians. For her, playing with the OSO is a soul-refreshing experience where music is beautifully expressed without the need for words. While she doesn't have a favorite photo of herself playing, she cherishes a memory captured in the newspaper when she was the only musician looking up, lost in the music.
Currently, Aundrea is preparing for end-of-the-year school orchestra concerts, finding joy in the growth of young musicians and collaborating with them in making music.
Aundrea Schmidt is a dedicated 2nd Violinist for the Olympia Symphony Orchestra, bringing her passion for music to the stage. What keeps her up at night? Maintaining her impressive Duolingo streak, currently at 1029 days, by squeezing in a lesson before midnight.
Aundrea finds inspiration in the sunrise and the sounds of nature, as well as the loving nudges from her cat, motivating her to start each day.
Joining the OSO in 2010, Aundrea sought to keep her playing skills sharp and connect with like-minded musicians. For her, playing with the OSO is a soul-refreshing experience where music is beautifully expressed without the need for words. While she doesn't have a favorite photo of herself playing, she cherishes a memory captured in the newspaper when she was the only musician looking up, lost in the music.
Currently, Aundrea is preparing for end-of-the-year school orchestra concerts, finding joy in the growth of young musicians and collaborating with them in making music.
MEAGAN STEWART Violin 2
The Richard & Laurel Seaman Chair
Meet Meagan Stewart, one of the talented 2nd Violinists of the Olympia Symphony! By day, she's a superhero mom to two very active little boys, ages 5 and 1, who keep her on her toes. When she's not busy being a mom, Meagan runs a small violin and viola studio out of her home, sharing her love for music with her students. She also works part-time as an optometric technician. Although she's currently taking a break from her love for horses to focus on her young family, Meagan and her husband have big dreams of bringing horses back into their lives, especially now that they've built a barn on their property. For now, though, her hands are full with her two adorable boys!
Meet Meagan Stewart, one of the talented 2nd Violinists of the Olympia Symphony! By day, she's a superhero mom to two very active little boys, ages 5 and 1, who keep her on her toes. When she's not busy being a mom, Meagan runs a small violin and viola studio out of her home, sharing her love for music with her students. She also works part-time as an optometric technician. Although she's currently taking a break from her love for horses to focus on her young family, Meagan and her husband have big dreams of bringing horses back into their lives, especially now that they've built a barn on their property. For now, though, her hands are full with her two adorable boys!
KENDALIA SPENCER Violin 2
The Karol & Leyton Jump Chair
Originally from San Francisco Bay Area, Kendalia became drawn to music as a child, leading her to become the violinist, teacher, arts administrator and business professional she is today. Last year, she completed a Master of Music in Violin Performance with a specialization in violin pedagogy at the University Oregon under the instruction of Professors Fritz Gearhart and Anthea Kreston. Prior to her studies at Oregon, she completed a Bachelor of Music under the direction of Charles Wetherbee at the
University of Colorado Boulder.
In addition to performing as a second violinist of Olympia Symphony Orchestra, Kendalia performs with the Rogue Valley Symphony and Eugene Concert Orchestra. She is also a founding member and violinist in the Eugene Piano Trio, which performs at various events in central Oregon.
When she is not performing or teaching, Kendalia pursues her studies as a second-year Master of Business Administration candidate with specializations in Innovation and Entrepreneurship as well as Advanced Strategy and Leadership at the University of Oregon.
When Kendalia returns to the Puget Sound area, she plans to join the vibrant music scene while stoking her passion for building a bridge between business and the arts.
Originally from San Francisco Bay Area, Kendalia became drawn to music as a child, leading her to become the violinist, teacher, arts administrator and business professional she is today. Last year, she completed a Master of Music in Violin Performance with a specialization in violin pedagogy at the University Oregon under the instruction of Professors Fritz Gearhart and Anthea Kreston. Prior to her studies at Oregon, she completed a Bachelor of Music under the direction of Charles Wetherbee at the
University of Colorado Boulder.
In addition to performing as a second violinist of Olympia Symphony Orchestra, Kendalia performs with the Rogue Valley Symphony and Eugene Concert Orchestra. She is also a founding member and violinist in the Eugene Piano Trio, which performs at various events in central Oregon.
When she is not performing or teaching, Kendalia pursues her studies as a second-year Master of Business Administration candidate with specializations in Innovation and Entrepreneurship as well as Advanced Strategy and Leadership at the University of Oregon.
When Kendalia returns to the Puget Sound area, she plans to join the vibrant music scene while stoking her passion for building a bridge between business and the arts.
LISA DYVIG, Principal Viola
The George & Linda Lamb Chair
Meet Lisa Dyvig, the vibrant soul behind the rich viola tones of the Olympia Symphony since 2009.
When she's not enchanting audiences with her viola, Lisa is a key member of the Symphony Tacoma viola section and a dedicated teacher of private viola (and a few violin) lessons.
By day, Lisa can be found at Olympia High School, where she serves as an Attendance Secretary, bringing order to the bustling halls. But her passion for music doesn't end there. In her spare time, Lisa runs Alto Clef Gifts, a small business where she crafts musical gift items for fellow violists and music teachers. She's also the creative force behind the merch for the Olympia Symphony, adding her personal touch to every item.
Lisa's world revolves around her family, including her husband Joe, who plays the double bass and teaches orchestra at Olympia High School. Together, they cherish moments with their daughter Jorie, a talented violinist who will soon graduate from high school, and their son Lucas, who keeps the family's musical spirit alive with his trombone playing.
Join Lisa and the Olympia Symphony on a musical journey filled with passion, creativity, and the joy of making music come alive!
Meet Lisa Dyvig, the vibrant soul behind the rich viola tones of the Olympia Symphony since 2009.
When she's not enchanting audiences with her viola, Lisa is a key member of the Symphony Tacoma viola section and a dedicated teacher of private viola (and a few violin) lessons.
By day, Lisa can be found at Olympia High School, where she serves as an Attendance Secretary, bringing order to the bustling halls. But her passion for music doesn't end there. In her spare time, Lisa runs Alto Clef Gifts, a small business where she crafts musical gift items for fellow violists and music teachers. She's also the creative force behind the merch for the Olympia Symphony, adding her personal touch to every item.
Lisa's world revolves around her family, including her husband Joe, who plays the double bass and teaches orchestra at Olympia High School. Together, they cherish moments with their daughter Jorie, a talented violinist who will soon graduate from high school, and their son Lucas, who keeps the family's musical spirit alive with his trombone playing.
Join Lisa and the Olympia Symphony on a musical journey filled with passion, creativity, and the joy of making music come alive!
DAMIAN NELSON, Assistant Principal Viola
The Nancy Connery Chair
JORDAN GOLDSTEIN, Viola
The Debra Nickerson Chair
Violist Jordan Goldstein is honored to be a member of the Olympia Symphony Orchestra. Jordan has many fond memories attending OSO concerts while growing up in Olympia and is incredibly proud to be performing in an orchestra that includes many friends, mentors, teachers and colleagues.
While studying under Joyce Ramée, Jordan graduated with honors from the University of Puget Sound, earning a Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Arts in Teaching degree. He then went on to complete a Master of Music degree under the tutelage of Mark Braunstein at Roosevelt University in Chicago. In addition to playing in the OSO, Jordan can be found in the viola sections of other South Sound orchestras including the Rainier Symphony and South Puget Sound Community College Symphony Orchestra.
Jordan is currently the Orchestra Director at Cedarcrest Middle School in Spanaway Washington. Previously Jordan was honored to give back to the community who fostered his love of music by serving as the orchestra teacher at Washington Middle School, as well as the conductor of the Student Orchestra of Greater Olympia Debut Orchestra. When not performing or practicing, Jordan can be found practicing his new hobby of bird watching, watching classic musicals, or hanging out with a cup of tea with his partner Rosie and cat Mer.
Violist Jordan Goldstein is honored to be a member of the Olympia Symphony Orchestra. Jordan has many fond memories attending OSO concerts while growing up in Olympia and is incredibly proud to be performing in an orchestra that includes many friends, mentors, teachers and colleagues.
While studying under Joyce Ramée, Jordan graduated with honors from the University of Puget Sound, earning a Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Arts in Teaching degree. He then went on to complete a Master of Music degree under the tutelage of Mark Braunstein at Roosevelt University in Chicago. In addition to playing in the OSO, Jordan can be found in the viola sections of other South Sound orchestras including the Rainier Symphony and South Puget Sound Community College Symphony Orchestra.
Jordan is currently the Orchestra Director at Cedarcrest Middle School in Spanaway Washington. Previously Jordan was honored to give back to the community who fostered his love of music by serving as the orchestra teacher at Washington Middle School, as well as the conductor of the Student Orchestra of Greater Olympia Debut Orchestra. When not performing or practicing, Jordan can be found practicing his new hobby of bird watching, watching classic musicals, or hanging out with a cup of tea with his partner Rosie and cat Mer.
HALLIE JOHNSTON, Viola
AUSTIN SCHLICHTING, Viola
Meet Austin Schlichting, a vibrant composer and music educator based in Lacey, WA. With a knack for creativity, Austin wrote a piece of art music for a vacuum cleaner that received multiple performances during his Junior year of college, showcasing his innovative approach to music.
His passion for music extends beyond composing; Austin is also a violist who has graced the stages of various festivals and orchestras, including the Olympia Symphony Orchestra. His love for music was cultivated early on, as he studied violin privately with Walter Schwede at Western Washington University.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Austin enjoys the simple pleasures of life, such as gardening and crocheting. He is also the proud father of a cocker spaniel-poodle mix named Rocky, who surely keeps life at home lively and fun. Together with his wife Janelle, a Spanish teacher, Austin is a dedicated fur-parent, cherishing every moment with his family.
Whether composing, teaching, or tending to his garden, Austin brings his unique creativity and passion to everything he does, enriching the lives of those around him.
His passion for music extends beyond composing; Austin is also a violist who has graced the stages of various festivals and orchestras, including the Olympia Symphony Orchestra. His love for music was cultivated early on, as he studied violin privately with Walter Schwede at Western Washington University.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Austin enjoys the simple pleasures of life, such as gardening and crocheting. He is also the proud father of a cocker spaniel-poodle mix named Rocky, who surely keeps life at home lively and fun. Together with his wife Janelle, a Spanish teacher, Austin is a dedicated fur-parent, cherishing every moment with his family.
Whether composing, teaching, or tending to his garden, Austin brings his unique creativity and passion to everything he does, enriching the lives of those around him.
HOLLY REEVES, Principal Cello
The Nancy Connery Chair
Cellist Holly Reeves enjoys a varied career as an orchestral player, chamber musician, and teacher. Holly has toured with ensembles in Japan, Costa Rica, France, Great Britain, Italy, and the United States. She was a founding member of the Anacapa String Quartet, an ensemble that established a highly-regarded chamber series in Santa Barbara and gave concerts nationally. As a member of Anacapa, she was a prize winner at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and was twice invited to compete at the Evian International String Quartet Competition.
Holly is well-known to Olympia audiences as principal cello of the Olympia Symphony. This year marks her twenty-sixth season with the group. She is also a long-time member of the acclaimed chamber orchestra Northwest Sinfonietta. Holly has been a featured soloist with the Olympia Symphony and has appeared many times on the Governor’s Mansion series and the Abbey series at Saint Martin’s University. She is a sought-after teacher in the area and maintains a busy private studio.
Originally from the Kansas City area, Holly holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music and a Master of Music degree from the University of California Santa Barbara. She studied with Steven Doane, Ronald Leonard, Geoffrey Rutkowski, and Jean Hassel and participated in the cello master classes of Janos Starker and Aldo Parisot at the Banff Music Festival. Chamber music coaches include members of the Colorado, Muir, Cleveland, Julliard, Emerson, and Amadeus quartets. She has recorded with the Anacapa String Quartet, members of the Ensemble for Contemporary Music at UCSB, pianist Scott Cossu, and local singer-songwriters.
Cellist Holly Reeves enjoys a varied career as an orchestral player, chamber musician, and teacher. Holly has toured with ensembles in Japan, Costa Rica, France, Great Britain, Italy, and the United States. She was a founding member of the Anacapa String Quartet, an ensemble that established a highly-regarded chamber series in Santa Barbara and gave concerts nationally. As a member of Anacapa, she was a prize winner at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and was twice invited to compete at the Evian International String Quartet Competition.
Holly is well-known to Olympia audiences as principal cello of the Olympia Symphony. This year marks her twenty-sixth season with the group. She is also a long-time member of the acclaimed chamber orchestra Northwest Sinfonietta. Holly has been a featured soloist with the Olympia Symphony and has appeared many times on the Governor’s Mansion series and the Abbey series at Saint Martin’s University. She is a sought-after teacher in the area and maintains a busy private studio.
Originally from the Kansas City area, Holly holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music and a Master of Music degree from the University of California Santa Barbara. She studied with Steven Doane, Ronald Leonard, Geoffrey Rutkowski, and Jean Hassel and participated in the cello master classes of Janos Starker and Aldo Parisot at the Banff Music Festival. Chamber music coaches include members of the Colorado, Muir, Cleveland, Julliard, Emerson, and Amadeus quartets. She has recorded with the Anacapa String Quartet, members of the Ensemble for Contemporary Music at UCSB, pianist Scott Cossu, and local singer-songwriters.
ANNE BOTKA, Assistant Principal Cello
Hi there! I'm Anne Botka, the Assistant Principal Cellist for the Olympia Symphony Orchestra.
My musical journey began right here in Olympia, where I had the incredible opportunity to study with Holly, our current Principal Cellist, during high school. Meeting Holly at that pivotal moment in my life, when my passion for music was just taking off, was truly life-changing. Her encouragement and mentorship shaped me in ways I can't fully describe. I owe so much of my musical journey to her, and I know her current students feel the same way. It's a special experience to now be her stand partner and friend, even a hiking buddy, as an adult.
After earning my degrees at a music conservatory, I've had the privilege of experiencing many exciting musical adventures. However, being part of the OSO and having this connection to my roots is incredibly meaningful to me. Now, as a teacher myself, working with my students and then heading to rehearsal with Holly feels like a beautiful full-circle moment. I continue to learn and grow so much just by sitting next to her; it's a true privilege!
My musical journey began right here in Olympia, where I had the incredible opportunity to study with Holly, our current Principal Cellist, during high school. Meeting Holly at that pivotal moment in my life, when my passion for music was just taking off, was truly life-changing. Her encouragement and mentorship shaped me in ways I can't fully describe. I owe so much of my musical journey to her, and I know her current students feel the same way. It's a special experience to now be her stand partner and friend, even a hiking buddy, as an adult.
After earning my degrees at a music conservatory, I've had the privilege of experiencing many exciting musical adventures. However, being part of the OSO and having this connection to my roots is incredibly meaningful to me. Now, as a teacher myself, working with my students and then heading to rehearsal with Holly feels like a beautiful full-circle moment. I continue to learn and grow so much just by sitting next to her; it's a true privilege!
BECKY BESWICK, Cello
HEATHER GROB, Cello
Cellist by night, economist by day, Heather successfully auditioned for the OSO 23 years ago after making Olympia her home.
She grew up in Loveland, Colorado, begged her parents for piano lessons at age 5, and began playing cello at age 10. She played in several community and youth orchestras and often soloed with her high school orchestra.
While she initially attended the University of Denver on a music scholarship, she ended up majoring in economics (and skiing as often as possible). While obtaining her PhD in Economics at the University of Notre Dame, she was delighted to also take private lessons and perform as a member of the university symphony’s cello section.
Heather taught economics for 17 years at Saint Martin’s University and is currently a researcher for the State of Washington.
She especially enjoys OSO educational outreach programs, has served on the musicians‘ committee 3 times, and her artwork has been featured in two OSO programs.
She credits her parents, public school music programs, and several patient instructors: Evan Orman, Barbara Thiem, Jonathan May, Richard Slavich, and Anne Thompson for instilling a lifelong love for the cello and the community that music creates.
She also volunteers with the Olympia Ecosystems board and as a lunch buddy with the North Thurston K-12 School District.
In her spare time she loves to spend time with her family and cats, paint, ski, hike, sea-kayak and flyfish.
She has a multifaceted zest for life and music is a huge part of that!
She grew up in Loveland, Colorado, begged her parents for piano lessons at age 5, and began playing cello at age 10. She played in several community and youth orchestras and often soloed with her high school orchestra.
While she initially attended the University of Denver on a music scholarship, she ended up majoring in economics (and skiing as often as possible). While obtaining her PhD in Economics at the University of Notre Dame, she was delighted to also take private lessons and perform as a member of the university symphony’s cello section.
Heather taught economics for 17 years at Saint Martin’s University and is currently a researcher for the State of Washington.
She especially enjoys OSO educational outreach programs, has served on the musicians‘ committee 3 times, and her artwork has been featured in two OSO programs.
She credits her parents, public school music programs, and several patient instructors: Evan Orman, Barbara Thiem, Jonathan May, Richard Slavich, and Anne Thompson for instilling a lifelong love for the cello and the community that music creates.
She also volunteers with the Olympia Ecosystems board and as a lunch buddy with the North Thurston K-12 School District.
In her spare time she loves to spend time with her family and cats, paint, ski, hike, sea-kayak and flyfish.
She has a multifaceted zest for life and music is a huge part of that!
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